Downtown Silverton & Greene Street

Downtown Silverton is what other Colorado mountain towns pretend to be. The entire commercial district is a National Historic Landmark, with Victorian storefronts, wooden sidewalks, and dirt side streets unchanged since the 1880s mining boom. This isn't recreated atmosphere—it's the real thing, preserved by isolation and economic freeze.

Greene Street forms the commercial spine, with saloons, shops, and restaurants occupying buildings that once served miners. When the train arrives, the street fills with visitors. When it leaves, Silverton returns to quiet authenticity.

Greene Street

The main drag runs several blocks through downtown. Victorian false-front buildings house businesses that cater to both tourists and year-round residents.

Architecture: Original 1880s-1900s commercial buildings. False fronts, tin ceilings, wooden floors. Many buildings have operated continuously for over a century.

Sidewalks: Covered wooden boardwalks in some sections. The raised walkways kept pedestrians above the mud in the mining era—they still work when snow melts.

Side streets: Many remain unpaved. Wander off Greene Street to see residential areas that look frozen in time.

Saloons & Bars

Silverton's saloons are the real deal—not Western-themed bars but actual historic drinking establishments.

Avalanche Brewing Company

Craft beer at 9,300 feet. Local brews in a historic building. Good food menu too.

The Shady Lady Saloon

Classic Western atmosphere with original bar and fixtures. Live music some nights.

Handlebars

Restaurant and saloon with deck seating. Popular with train visitors for lunch.

Shopping

Souvenirs: Train-themed merchandise, mining memorabilia, Colorado gifts. Several shops along Greene Street cater to day-trippers.

Art galleries: Local artists showcase mountain scenes, wildlife, and mining history. Quality pieces for serious collectors alongside tourist-friendly prints.

Outdoor gear: Limited selection for hikers and Jeepers. Don't expect REI—bring what you need.

Books and antiques: A few shops specialize in Western history, mining books, and genuine antiques from the region.

Dining

Breakfast: Coffee shops and cafes open early for train passengers and early Jeepers. Simple, hearty fare.

Lunch: Peak crowds hit between 11am-2pm when the train is in town. Expect waits at popular spots. Packed lunch from Durango can save time.

Dinner: After the train leaves, dining becomes more relaxed. Several restaurants serve elevated mountain cuisine alongside pub food.

Museums & History

San Juan County Historical Society Museum

Housed in the 1902 county jail. Mining artifacts, photographs, and exhibits on Silverton's boom-and-bust history. The jail cells alone are worth the visit.

Mining Heritage Center

Displays on the technology and culture of hard-rock mining. Artifacts from the mines that built the town.

Walking Tours

Self-guided walking tour maps available at visitor centers. Covers historic buildings, mining sites, and the town's colorful characters.

Tips

Visit after the train leaves. From about 3pm-6pm, the town empties dramatically. The shops stay open, but crowds vanish. This is the best time to experience authentic Silverton.

Winter is different. Many businesses close or reduce hours. The town serves Silverton Mountain skiers but feels almost abandoned otherwise.

Cash helps. Some smaller shops prefer cash. ATM available but fees apply.

Altitude affects you. At 9,300 feet, you may feel winded walking around. Take it slow, especially on your first day.

Stay overnight. The transformation after the train leaves is worth experiencing. Morning and evening light on the peaks is spectacular.